Miles Davis - Miles Smiles (Reis)
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CD Details
Artist: Miles DavisBrand: Miles Davis
Edition: Music CD
Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
CD Release Date: 1998-10-13
Music Label: Sony
Soundtracks:
- Orbits
- Circle
- Footprints
- Dolores
- Freedom Jazz Dance
- Gingerbread Boy
Music reviews of Miles Smiles (Reis)
Music Review: Greatest Acoustic Miles?
Rating: 5 Stars
Some may wonder with Miles Davis's vast catalogue, could there possibly be a recording that eclipses the infamous KIND OF BLUE? Well as a avid Miles fan, I can tell you there are several releases which eclipse it, most notably MILES SMILES. In my opinion, this could be the greatest acoustic Miles record ever released.
This is definitely my favorite record by his second great quintet, which featured personnel upgrades in Herbie Hancock (piano), Ron Carter (bass), and Tony Williams (drums), who was just 17 years old when Miles first hired him. Wayne Shorter, (tenor sax) replaces John Coltrane, who, at this time, was exploring new territory at the time with such avant-garde releases as ASCENSION and INTERSTELLAR SPACE. Trane and Miles were growing too far apart from each other for it to make sense to have them playing together. Coltrane needed to be a leader at this time.
Just 21 months earlier, this quintet released their debut, E.S.P., to much critical acclaim. On MILES SMILES, this group spaces out even more, making the most of Williams' polyrhythms, and the inter-twining modal soloing of Shorter and Davis. There is so much going on at all times - as a listener, you can choose to focus on just one instrument of your choice the entire time and rarely lose interest.
This disc opens up with the Wayne Shorter original, 'Orbits', and we are immediately presented with the type of abstract playing the two solists are exploring. Hancock acts more as a soloist on this recording as well, but at the same time focus on the drums and bass, especially Carter's ability to hold the group together with his walking patterns. Two other Shorter originals are feautured here - 'Footprints' and 'Dolores'. 'Footprints' opens with a tantalizing trumpet and sax harmony, but Tony Williams shines again once more. Elements as simple as the light triplets being played on the edge of the cymbals are all that is needed to secure a solid basis for the rest of the group to play over. 'Dolores' has a bit more energy and features another catchy harmony from the beginning. If we listen closely to the bass here, we start to notice some of Carter's slide work which would be a staple of Herbie Hancock's solo record SPEAK LIKE A CHILD from the same era. Miles also plays a bit more 'stiff' on this tune, closer in line to his playing from his earlier days with Sonny Rollins and other mid-50's prestige-era recordings.
The only Miles original here is the cool jazz ballad, 'Circle'. . . probably the most somber track on the disc. Rounding out the recording are 'Freedom Jazz Dance' by Eddie Harris, and 'Gingerbread Boy' by Percy Heath. These two are by far my favorite tracks. 'Freedom Jazz Dance' is played at an accelerated tempo, and Miles's playing is utterly impressive. His use of modes against both Hancock's comping, and the incredible Tony Williams will put you in shock! 'Gingerbread Boy' sounds closer to Ornette Coleman (ala SHAPE OF JAZZ TO COME) more than any other Miles recording I can think of. Miles is all over the place, and the rhythm section of Hancock, Carter, and Williams is unbeatable.
Anyone who appreciates KIND OF BLUE must give MILES SMILES a serious listen. It is definitely not as accesible both in its abstractness and structure. However, those new to this paradigm must realize that jazz is an artform that is always evolving and changing. I suppose a certain level of open-mindedness is necessary in deciding between those who keep listening and those who walk away.
Description of Miles Smiles (Reis)
Our Seller's Notes and Fine Print :...A Columbia Classic..Jazz CDs
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